Question Haunting ABS light wont go away

[stereotek]

my abs light keeps coming on ? what could it be everything seems to be fine!
i add like a 1/2 a teaspoon of brake fluid and the light goes away. then about 2 to 3 months later it will come on again and i will do the same thing! do i just keep adding brake fluid in 2ML incraments, seems weird that the master cylinder would be that sensitive! adding 2ml of fluid shouldn't be triggering a sensor, do you think? does anyone else have this problem?

by the way i have already been to the shop 3 times to have the brakes looked at for this problem, nothing wrong with brakes!

2003 Toyota Tacoma extracab sr5 4x4 v6 automatic all types of extra mods

[stereotek]

has nobody observed this problem?

[The Phoenix]

Are you sure you don't mean the brake light comes on? If the ABS light comes on, this would definitely not be related to the brake fluid reservoir. However, from what you're describing is a common problem when you have a fluid leak, or your brake pads are wearing down in the front. The fluid reservoir has a "minimum" line marked on it. If the fluid falls below the line (or close to it) the brake light will stay lit on the dash until more fluid is added. You should notice from stop and go driving the light come on/off at times first, before staying lit for a period of time.

[stereotek]

thank you, I think I will take it to the Toyota dealership when I get some free time

[chiggins]

The break fluid lvl can affect the ABS light. You probably just have a had break sensor which is the same problem I have with my truck. If you dont notice any problem with breaking power than its just a break sensor. They go bad just like O2 sensors that set off the Check Engine light on most cars over 100k miles.

[mustang67408]

If the red brake light comes on, it can set a ABS light.

Usually it sets a C1203 code, not always, but sometimes. I cant explain why it does or does not. The brake fluid level sensor is connected to the ABS/Trac Actuator, this is how it know the light is on and sets the ABS light.

DTC

C1203/53

ECM Communication Circuit Malfunction





This just tells you there is a problem in the brake system, whether it is a real problem or just low brake fluid is for the TECH to determine. It is a stupid part of the system, but it does happen like this sometimes. It usually happens in Sequoias, but can happen in any other vehicle also with ABS.

The diagnosis for this code tells you to diagnose any other codes first. It's just a warning code. It doesnt mention anything about the brakes, but it does affect it.

[pmbazus]

Have you changed your taillights? I once changed my taillights to Euro and my ABS light came on. I went back to my OME and the ABS light went off and has stayed off.

[meatball18]

if its the brake light is on seems like the brake fluid is just to low, could be getting low cause the front brake pads are wearing down and taking more fluid in the lines to fill them to keep pressure. if its the ABS light..... well i dont know. i havent replaced the pads on my truck yet but i know a lot of german cars have the ABS sensor in the pad itself, and if the pads are worn down it could be interfering with the sensor. but like i said i dont know